Liquid tight closure mechanism

ABSTRACT

A resealable package includes first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom edge, and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also includes a closure mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The closure mechanism includes first and second closure profiles, the first closure profile having first and second base strips with first and second interlocking closure members extending from the first and second base strips. The first and second closure profiles also include first and second sealing members extending from third and fourth base strips, the sealing members both having teeth disposed thereon. The first and second interlocking closure members and first and second sealing members extend a length from the first, second, third and fourth base strips sufficient for the first and second interlocking closure members and the first and secondd sealing members to selectively engage. The first and second sealing members engage to form a liquid-tight seal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method of producing closure mechanisms for polymer packages, for example, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to closure mechanisms having a liquid tight arrangement.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0002] Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. As such, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.

[0003] Resealable packages typically utilize a closure mechanism that is positioned along the mouth of the package. The closure mechanism often comprises profile elements or closure profiles that engage one another when pressed together and disengage when pulled apart. The profile elements are often designed to disengage with the use of minimal force, to allow the package to be easily opened. However, this can cause the profile elements to disengage as the package is moved or placed in storage, because the profile elements can be jostled during such movement. Because a small force is all that is typically required to disengage the profile elements, the elements may become disengaged even when it is undesired. This is a significant concern when the product is a liquid or a small solid that can leak through even the smallest opening in the package. It is therefore desirable to provide a closure mechanism that can be fully sealed and will remain sealed in order to prevent product leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid tight closure mechanism is provided comprising first and second closure profiles, the first closure profile comprising a first base strip having a first interlocking member extending therefrom and the second closure profile comprising a second base strip having a second interlocking member extending therefrom. The first and second interlocking members are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. The first closure profile further comprises a third base strip having a first sealing member extending therefrom, the first sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon and the second closure profile further comprising a fourth base strip with a second sealing member extending therefrom, the second sealing member also having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon. The teeth disposed on the first sealing member are designed and arranged to selectively engage the teeth disposed on the second sealing member.

[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, a resealable package includes first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom edge, and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also includes a liquid tight closure mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The closure mechanism includes structure as previously described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The various features and benefits of the present invention are apparent in light of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2, shown in the closed position.

[0010]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4, shown in the closed position.

[0012]FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6, shown in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package 110, for example, a polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having a resealable closure mechanism 114, for example, interlocking profile elements, constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible package 110 includes first and second opposed panel sections 116, 118, typically made from a flexible, polymeric, plastic film, such as a low density polyethylene.

[0015] With some manufacturing applications, the first and second panel sections 116, 118 are heat-sealed together along two side edges 120, 122 and meet at a fold line 123 in order to form a three-edged containment section for a product within an interior 124 of the package 110. In the embodiment shown, the fold line 123 comprises the bottom edge 125 of the package 110. Alternatively, two separate panel sections 116, 118 of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed together along the two side edges 120, 122 and at the bottom edge 125. Access is provided to the interior 124 of the package 110 through a mouth 126 at a top edge 127 of the package.

[0016] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mouth 126 extends the width of the package 110. The resealable closure mechanism 114 is illustrated at the mouth 126 of the flexible package 110. Preferably, the cross-section of the closure mechanism 114 is continuous along its length across the mouth 126 of the package 110. Alternatively, the closure mechanism 114 could be positioned on the package 110 at a location different from the mouth 126 of the package 110, depending on the application needs for the package 110.

[0017] The resealable liquid tight closure mechanism 114 can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism 114 is shown in the specific form of a zipper-type closure mechanism. By the term “zipper-type closure mechanism,” it is meant a structure having opposite interlocking or mating profiled elements that under the application of pressure will interlock and close the region between the profiles.

[0018] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism 114 comprises first and second closure profiles 130, 131. The first and second closure profiles 130, 131 are connected to the two panel sections 116, 118, respectively. The first and second closure profiles 130, 131 may be attached to the panel sections 116, 118 by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first and second closure profiles 130, 131 may be formed separately, then heat sealed to the panel sections 116, 118.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the first closure profile 130 includes a first base strip 132 with a first interlocking member 134 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member 134 is a first hook or catch 174. Likewise, the second closure profile 131 includes a second base strip 133 and a second interlocking member 135 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the second interlocking member 135 is a second hook or catch 175.

[0020] The first and second closure profiles 130, 131 are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form a liquid tight resealable closure mechanism 114. The first interlocking member 134 of the first closure profile 130 extends from the base strip 132 an engagement distance. The second interlocking member 135 of the second closure profile 131 also extends from the base strip 133 an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and second interlocking members 134, 135 extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first interlocking member 134 of the first closure profile 130 and the second interlocking member 135 of the second closure profile 131.

[0021] In particular, the first catch 174 of the first interlocking member 134 hooks or engages with the second catch 175 of the second interlocking member 135. Furthermore, the closure profiles 130, 131 remain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in aligning the remainder of closure profiles 130, 131 for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 130, 131 as they engage to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism 114. Pulling the first closure profile 130 and the second closure profile 131 away from each other causes the two closure profiles 130, 131 to disengage.

[0022] As stated above, as closure mechanisms are typically designed to easily disengage, some have the tendency to disengage even when it is undesired. This is especially troublesome when the product stored inside of the package 110 is a liquid that can escape through small openings in the closure mechanism 114. Therefore, the liquid tight closure mechanism 114 of the present invention also includes first and second sealing members 138, 139.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the first closure profile 130 includes a third base strip 136 with a first sealing member 138 extending therefrom. The first sealing member 138 includes a plurality of teeth (referenced collectively as 140) disposed thereon. Likewise, the second closure profile 131 includes a fourth base strip 137 with a second sealing member 139 extending therefrom. The second sealing member 139 also includes a plurality of teeth (referenced collectively as 141) disposed thereon.

[0024] The teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 are disposed on the first sealing member 138 an engagement distance from the third base strip 136. Likewise, the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139 are disposed on the second sealing member 139 an engagement distance from the fourth base strip 137. These engagement distance that the teeth 140 and the teeth 141 are disposed on the first and second sealing members 138, 139, respectively, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking between the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 and the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139.

[0025] As stated above, pressure is applied to the closure profiles 130, 131 as they engage to form sealed closure mechanism 114. As this occurs, the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 engage the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139 to form a liquid-tight seal when the closure mechanism 114 is sealed. The liquid-tight seal prevents any of a liquid product placed in package 110 from escaping the package 110 through the closure mechanism 114. The teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 and the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139 are configured so that when they are engaged, the force required to disengage them is greater than the force required to disengage the first and second interlocking members 134, 135. In this way, the first and second sealing members 138, 139 also help prevent the closure mechanism 114 from unintended opening, for example, during transport.

[0026] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first sealing member 138 comprises a body 188 and a head 198. The second sealing member 139 comprises a body 189 and a head 199. In this embodiment, the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 are disposed on its head 198. However, it should be understood that the teeth 140 may be disposed anywhere along the first sealing member 138, as long as they are an engagement distance from the third base strip 136, as described above. Likewise, the teeth 141 may be disposed anywhere along the second sealing member 139, as long as they are an engagement distance from the fourth base strip 137. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the teeth 141 are disposed on the head 199 of second sealing member 139.

[0027] In order for the first and second sealing members 138, 139 to form a liquid tight seal when engaged, it is desirable that their respective shapes be complimentary. Still in reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that in the embodiment illustrated, the head 198 of the first sealing member 138 is curved along its length, i.e. it is generally arc-shaped. Likewise, the head 199 of second sealing member 139 is aslo curved along its length to be generally arc-shaped. More specifically, the head 199 of second sealing member 139 is shaped so as to be complimentary to, or to mesh with, or to mate with, or to engage the head 198 of the first sealing member 138. In the embodiment shown, the teeth 140 disposed on the head 198 of the first sealing member 138 are disposed on the inside of the arc, while the teeth 141 disposed on the head 199 of the second sealing member 139 are disposed on the outside of the arc. In this way, the teeth 140, 141 may engage. It should beunderstood, that depending on the shape of the heads 198, 199, that the teeth 140, 141 may be placed in various locations on the heads 198, 199, so long as the teeth 140, 141 engage when the closure mechanism 114 is sealed.

[0028] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the closure mechanism 214 further includes a first guide post 243 extending from the second closure profile 231. It should be noted that elements of this embodiment that are included in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 are referenced by the reference numbers used in FIGS. 2-3, but increased by a factor of 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the resealable closure mechanism 214 comprises first and second closure profiles 230, 231. The first and second closure profiles 230, 231 are connected to the two panel sections 216, 218, respectively. The first and second closure profiles 230, 231 may be attached to the panel sections 216, 218 by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first and second closure profiles 230, 231 may be formed separately, then heat sealed to the panel sections 216, 218.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the first closure profile 230 includes a first base strip 232 with a first interlocking member 234 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member 234 is a first hook or catch 274. Likewise, the second closure profile 231 includes a second base strip 233 and a second interlocking member 235 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the second interlocking member 235 is a second hook or catch 275. The second closure profile further includes a fifth base strip 241 with the first guide post 243 extending therefrom. The guide post 243 aids in holding the closure mechanism 214 closed and in aligning the first interlocking member 234 with the second interlocking member 235 for engagement.

[0030] The first and second closure profiles 230, 231 are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism 214. The first interlocking member 234 of the first closure profile 230 extends from the base strip 232 an engagement distance. The second interlocking member 235 of the second closure profile 231 also extends from the base strip 233 an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and second interlocking members 234, 235 extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first interlocking member 234 of the first closure profile 230 and the second interlocking member 235 of the second closure profile 231.

[0031] In particular, the first catch 274 of the first interlocking member 234 hooks or engages with the second catch 275 of the second interlocking member 235. Furthermore, the closure profiles 230, 231 remain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in aligning the remainder of closure profiles 230, 231 for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 230, 231 as they engage to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism 214. Pulling the first closure profile 230 and the second closure profile 231 away from each other causes the two closure profiles 230, 231 to disengage.

[0032] The closure mechanism 214 also includes first and second sealing members 238, 239, that have identical structures to the corresponding elements, 138, 139 described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.

[0033] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, the closure mechanism 314 further includes additional interlocking members 353, 354. It should be noted that elements of this embodiment that are included in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 are referenced by the reference numbers used in FIGS. 2-3, but increased by a factor of 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the resealable closure mechanism 314 comprises first and second closure profiles 330, 331. The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 are connected to the two panel sections 316, 318, respectively. The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 may be attached to the panel sections 316, 318 by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first and second closure profiles 330, 331 may be formed separately, then heat sealed to the panel sections 316, 318.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the first closure profile 330 includes a first base strip 332 with a first interlocking member 334 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member 334 is a first hook or catch 374. Likewise, the second closure profile 331 includes a second base strip 333 and a second interlocking member 335 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the second interlocking member 335 is a second hook or catch 375.

[0035] The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism 314. The first interlocking member 334 of the first closure profile 330 extends from the base strip 332 an engagement distance. The second interlocking member 335 of the second closure profile 331 also extends from the base strip 333 an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and second interlocking members 334, 335 extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first interlocking member 334 of the first closure profile 330 and the second interlocking member 335 of the second closure profile 331.

[0036] In particular, the first catch 374 of the first interlocking member 334 hooks or engages with the second catch 375 of the second interlocking member 335. Furthermore, the closure profiles 330, 331 reamain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in aligning the remainder of closure profiles 330, 331 for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 330, 331 as they engage to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism 314. Pulling the first closure profile 330 and the second closure profile 331 away from each other causes the two closure profiles 330, 331 to disengage.

[0037] In this embodiment, additional sets of interlocking closure members are included. It should be understood that the embodiment illustrates one additional set of interlocking closure members, but that in accordance with this embodiment, any number of additional sets of interlocking closure members may be included, depending on the requirements of the specific package. As shown, the first closure profile 330 further includes includes a sixth base strip 352 with a third interlocking member 354 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member 354 is a third hook or catch 394. Likewise, the second closure profile 331 includes a seventh base strip 351 and a fourth interlocking member 353 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the second interlocking member 353 is a fourth hook or catch 395.

[0038] The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism 314. The third interlocking member 354 of the first closure profile 330 extends from the sixth base strip 352 an engagement distance. The fourth interlocking member 353 of the second closure profile 331 also extends from the seventh base strip 351 an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the third and fourth interlocking members 354, 353 extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the third interlocking member 354 of the first closure profile 330 and the fourth interlocking member 353 of the second closure profile 331.

[0039] In particular, the third catch 394 of the third interlocking member 354 hooks or engages with the fourth catch 395 of the fourth interlocking member 353. Furthermore, the closure profiles 330, 331 are sealed together at their ends, such as first and second regions 153, 154 of FIG. 1 to further aid in aligning the closure profiles 330, 331 for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 330, 331 as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism 314. Pulling the first closure profile 330 and the second closure profile 331 away from each other causes the two closure profiles 330, 331 to disengage.

[0040] The closure mechanism 314 also includes first and second sealing members 338, 339, that have identical structures to the corresponding elements, 138, 139 described in relation to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.

[0041] While specific embodiments and methods for practicing this invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize various manifestations and details that could be developed in light of the overall teachings herein. Specifically, a variety of interlocking closure member designs are known in the art. While several specific embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, any appropriate interlocking closure members may be used with the sealing members described herein to form the liquid tight closure mechanism of the present invention. Accordingly, the particular mechanisms disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the following claims and any and all embodiments thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A resealable flexible package comprising: (a) first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region; (b) a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles; (i) the first closure profile comprising a first base strip, the first base strip having a first interlocking member extending therefrom; (ii) the second closure profile comprising a second base strip, the second base strip having a second interlocking member extending therefrom; (iii) the first and second interlocking members constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; (iv) the first closure profile further comprising a third base strip having a first sealing member extending therefrom, the first sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon; (v) the second closure profile further comprising a fourth base strip with a second sealing member extending therefrom, the second sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon; and (vi) wherein the teeth disposed on the first sealing member are designed and arranged to selectively engage the teeth disposed on the second sealing member.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first sealing member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
 3. The package of claim 2, wherein the second sealing member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
 4. The package of claim 2, wherein the teeth disposed on the first sealing member are disposed on the head of the first sealing member.
 5. The package of claim 4, wherein the teeth disposed on the second sealing member are disposed on the head of the second sealing member.
 6. The package of claim 4, wherein the head of the first sealing member is generally arc-shaped.
 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the teeth disposed on the arc-shaped head of the first sealing member are disposed on the inside of the arc.
 8. The package of claim 6, wherein the head of the second sealing member is generally arc-shaped and the arc is sized and shaped such that the head of the second sealing member mates with the head of the first sealing member.
 9. The package of claim 8, wherein the teeth disposed on the arc-shaped head of the second sealing member are disposed on the outside of the arc.
 10. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second sealing members are located beneath the interlocking closure members.
 11. The package of claim 1, wherein the first closure profile further comprises a fifth base strip having a third interlocking member extending therefrom, wherein the third interlocking member is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with the second interlocking member.
 12. The package of claim 1, wherein the first closure profile further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an interlocking member extending therefrom, the second closure profile further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an interlocking member extending therefrom, and wherein each of the interlocking members extending from a base strip on the first closure profile is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with an interlocking member extending from a base strip on the second closure profile.
 13. A closure mechanism comprising (a) first and second closure profiles; (b) the first closure profile comprising a first base strip, the first base strip having a first interlocking member extending therefrom; (c) the second closure profile comprising a second base strip, the second base strip having a second interlocking member extending therefrom; (d) the first and second interlocking members constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; (e) the first closure profile further comprising a third base strip having a first sealing member extending therefrom, the first sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon; (f) the second closure profile further comprising a fourth base strip with a second sealing member extending therefrom, the second sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon; and (g) wherein the teeth disposed on the first sealing member are designed and arranged to selectively engage the teeth disposed on the second sealing member.
 14. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first sealing member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
 15. The closure mechanism of claim 14, wherein the second sealing member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
 16. The closure mechanism of claim 14, wherein the teeth disposed on the first sealing member are disposed on the head of the first sealing member.
 17. The closure mechanism of claim 16, wherein the teeth disposed on the second sealing member are disposed on the head of the second sealing member.
 18. The closure mechanism of claim 16, wherein the head of the first sealing member is generally arc-shaped.
 19. The closure mechanism of claim 18, wherein the teeth disposed on the arc-shaped head of the first sealing member are disposed on the inside of the arc.
 20. The closure mechanism of claim 18, wherein the head of the second sealing member is generally arc-shaped and the arc is sized and shaped such that the head of the second sealing member mates with the head of the first sealing member.
 21. The closure mechanism of claim 20, wherein the teeth disposed on the arc-shaped head of the second sealing member are disposed on the outside of the arc.
 22. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first and second sealing members are located beneath the interlocking closure members.
 23. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first closure profile further comprises a fifth base strip having a third interlocking member extending therefrom, wherein the third interlocking member is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with the second interlocking member.
 24. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first closure profile further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an interlocking member extending therefrom, the second closure profile further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an interlocking member extending therefrom, and wherein each of the interlocking members extending from a base strip on the first closure profile is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with an interlocking member extending from a base strip on the second closure profile. 